Transformer Audio Cabinet

This is an audio equipment cabinet that “transforms” to an audio/video console for live events. The YouTube video shows the transformation from a simple enclosed box (for transportation) to an audio/video console with side tables, an elevated video projector shelf, and removeable back panel.

The design required a strong structure that can slide in and out of SUVs and trucks, fully protects the audio gear, and then transforms to a full console for live events. I wanted the doors, tables, lid, hardware, equipment and wiring to be self contained for transport. I also wanted minimal exterior hardware so the sides are smooth for loading and storage.

Through a bunch of iterations and playing with mocked up parts, I ended up with:

Door panels that cover the equipment serve double duty as side tables.

Top lid serves double duty as the video projector shelf.

Posts that store in the side walls raise the lid over 6 feet high so the projector is over most people’s heads.

A series of steel pins interlock through holes from the lid through the shelves and both front doors so there is no external hardware on the face when it’s all closed up. Same thing for the back door panel.

Steel pipe “wing spars” store vertically in the side walls, and then slide through holes in the cabinet horizontally to become supports for the side tables.

Audio Equipment is rack mounted so the cabinet can be tipped on it’s side into an SUV or truck .

Wiring holes through each shelf allow all wiring to stay connected during transport.

Face frames and the lid are 1/2” solid whitewood. The lid is pocket screwed at the corners.

All edging and face frames are joined using FF biscuits.

The doors/tables are 1/2” cabinet ply with solid edging.

Shelves are dadoed into the sides.

Feet are 3×3x1 inch pine blocks with beveled edges, so the cabinet can be slid on any floor surface without damaging the floor or the cabinet. Stole this idea from a Chris Schwartz article about old tool chests.

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7 comments so far

1. What are the dimensions overall (closed up, of course)? If the components are rack-mounted, I assume you have rack hardware attached to the sides, so that would make it 19” wide plus the side dimensions.2. How much does it weigh (empty)?3. Since the sides seem to be the structural supports and flat, have you considered cutting hand holds in them to assist picking it up and loading it into a conveyance?4. What did you finish it with? It looks like melamine or a very nice spray paint, but I’m not sure that would withstand moving it around too much.5. I’m sure you thought about this since the rest is so well engineered, but why the pine feet instead of locking casters? Again, that would seem to make it easier to transport.

I really like this project. I have absolutely no use for something like this, but I hope you don’t mind my stealing some of these ideas. They are fantastic. Thanks for showing it.

@ddockstader 1. 20×25x452. lots3. We didn’t want big holes in the sides. See #5.4. Rust-Oleum black satin enamel. Rolled on with a foam roller. 3 coats, sanded in between.5. Castors don’t work well with curbs, stairs, loading on trucks, etc. We use a small hand truck to move it around. Much easier than castors and no need for hand holds.

@cessnapilotbarry – thanks for the tip on Reliable hardware. Some great stuff on that site.

Since the cabinet is a piece of indoor furniture (in my son’s room), we didn’t want that Anvil case look with metal corners, etc. I’ve made three previous cabinets similar to this (but non transformers) that have held up well.

Regarding lifting: it’s very convenient to slide the hand truck tongue under the cabinet, wrap a strap around the cabinet to the hand truck, and go. With the big 6” wheels, it works on stairs, curbs, and whatever. No need to handle the cabinet itself at all. If we decide to add handles later, I’m going to make removeable bent EMT handles that fit in the existing holes for the side table support pipes.